[alfa] RE: mechanical V6 tensioners, where do you go from here?

[Brad Anesi <brad.anesi@xxxxxxxxx>]

Some day I'll have to do a write-up on this for the Owner, but I just
haven't had the time these days.  As I've mentioned before, I've been
running the "old style" oil-fed tensioner without the oil feed for several
years now.  If you've already done the modifications to block off the oil
feed for the mechanical tensioner, converting to the oil-fed tensioner in
fixed mode is very easy.  Just install the tensioner as you normally would.
The biggest challenge at this point might be locating an original oil-fed
tensioner - I got mine from APE several years ago.  Tom Zat's tensioner
functions in a similar manner, so that is an alternative.

In the mean time (in my spare time that I don't have), I'll continue to
investigate whether an updated mechanical tensioner exists.  Reading stories
like Cal's (below), it is clear that the original mechanical tensioner has
the potential for failure. 

Brad

-------------------------
From: "calvin crouch" <calvincrouch@domain.elided>
Subject: [alfa] mechanical V6 tensioners, where do you go from here?

2 years ago I purchased a 93S, having read all the info on maintenance
precautions I immediately changed the water pump, bearing, belts, hoses
and tensioner.  I installed the tensioner EXACTLY according to
recommendations and was VERY anal about the whole process.  Double
checked everything and recheckes to make sure.

Drove the car a total of 24 miles during the next two days after
installation when the new tensioner failed.  The spring metal broke just
like in the same place as all the others.  Haven't driven the car since. 
Luckily I sustasined no engine damage but have been very leary of going
through this experience again.

So what do you do?  I have another new mechanical tensioner but I notice
people talking about a "ZAT" tensioner.  What is it, is it recommended,
where to purchase?

I really would like to get the car going again but I live in fear of
engine destruction.  Advice welcome.  Any source for the old hydraulic
tensioner refit?    thanks  Cal
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